New Mobile Generators Will Help City Upgrade Emergency Response Capability

The City of Long Beach has received 15 heavy-duty mobile generators to be used in the event of a power failure or other emergency. The generators were purchased with Homeland Security Grant funds through the Los Angeles/Long Beach Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), and are being stored in strategic locations throughout the City.

“These emergency generators will be an extremely valuable asset,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “They are just one part of the City’s on-going efforts to enhance our emergency response.”

An agreement with the City of Los Angeles transfers ownership of the generators to the City of Long Beach. However, the generators are a regional asset, with other cities and participating agencies having access to them on a prioritized basis in the event of an emergency.

“These generators are part of the region’s counterterrorism response plan,” said Reggie Harrison, Director of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications. “We also anticipate using these generators in the event we need to provide emergency power to operate critical infrastructure such as pump stations, and facilities such as shelter sites.”

These 200-kilowatt generators and related equipment were purchased through the grant for $1.4 million, which also funds annual maintenance costs.

Homeland Security Grant funds are used to purchase equipment and conduct training for emergency response personnel, but can also be used to employ regional approaches to overall preparedness.